Abstract

Bioterrorism poses a significant threat to national security, characterized by the deliberate release of pathogenic organisms or toxins to harm civilians and disrupt societal stability. This paper explores historical bioterrorism events, such as the anthrax attacks of 2001 and the use of biological agents in World War I, analyzing their impact on public health, policy responses, and national security frameworks. By examining the effectiveness of governmental preparedness strategies and the lessons learned from past incidents, this study identifies critical areas for improvement in biosurveillance, rapid response capabilities, and inter-agency coordination. Furthermore, it discusses the evolving landscape of bioterrorism threats, including advances in biotechnology and the potential for future attacks using synthetic biology. The findings underscore the necessity for robust national security measures and comprehensive public health policies to mitigate the risks associated with bioterrorism and safeguard against emerging threats.